Pat Lam makes four changes to his injury-hit squad as Danie Poolman replaces Bundee Aki in the centres while Quinn Roux, Sean O’Brien and Dave Heffernan all come into the pack.

There is space on the bench for exciting youngster Ciaran Gaffney while Lam has gone for a 6-2 forward replacements split meaning try hero against Wasps last weekend Naulia Dawai again has to wait for his first start.

Talking points

Pat Lam has 21 injuries and counting to contend with and the news that talisman Bundee Aki needs surgery and will be out until February is a hammer blow to an already threadbare midfield.

Lam only has nine fit backs available in his squad but after their dramatic win over Wasps last weekend they head to Belfast hoping to claim a first win in 56 years.

Ulster stopped the rot in round 10 and will be desperate to reclaim the bragging rights in this all-Irish encounter.

Key Battle

Tiernan O’Halloran v Charles Piutau

The battle up front will of course be decisive, but in terms of pure box office these two full-backs are as good as it gets – not just in the Guinness PRO12 but in world rugby.

Tiernan O’Halloran made his Ireland debut in the summer and has since blossomed into an all-round star for Connacht this season.

Meanwhile All Black Piutau needs no introduction, a more potent attacking threat in the northern hemisphere is hard to find.

Key Stat

Connacht have not won away from home in the PRO12 since a visit to Edinburgh on 4 March last season.

Did you know?

Connacht beat Ulster 30-25 in Galway in round 6 and have not recorded back-to-back victories over the Ulstermen since 1997-98, whilst they have not been victorious in Belfast since November 1960.

Ulster top points scorer - Paddy Jackson – 44

Top try scorer – Rob Lyttle – 3

Connacht top points scorer – Jack Carty – 52

Top try scorer – Niyi Adeolokun – 4

Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:Played 27, Ulster won 22, Connacht won 4 with 1 game drawn.